Review: U2 in concert

(Roman Gokhman reports from his adventures with U2. Can’t wait to see the show!)

U2’s two shows in New Jersey did not offer up much more than I experienced last week, other than the acknowledgement that Bono knows many very important people in that city. We were all expecting a guest appearance by Bruce Springsteen at the first show; it’s kind of a tradition when U2 play Giants stadium. Plus, it was the Boss’ 60th birthday. One of my buddies spotted Bruce’s security guard, but alas, he must have only been there to watch U2’s cover of She’s the One. He never appeared on stage.

Scott McEnroe did; to pose for some pre-concert photos with U2’s instrument techs. He must not have been serious. Bono also said that Mick Jagger was in attendance. So was NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who is now facing some scrutiny for borrowing the city’s helicopter to fly across the Hudson River for a concert.

As for U2, they were still great live. Just showing a little wear now. I hope they get plenty of rest for the other two times I’m seeing them in October. The band is now mixing up their set lists a little more, but rather than adding new songs, they’re just playing with the order of the existing ones. If the order isn’t broken (and it wasn’t in Chicago), they shouldn’t fix it.

Four shows in and I have two standout moments. The first is the combination of new album No Line on the Horizon’s golden track Unknown Caller with The Unforgettable Fire; a track more than 25 years Unknown Caller’s senior. The two are atmospheric and chilling. And both have great organ parts. The second is the dance remix of I’ll Go Crazy if I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight. It’s the equivalent of listening to U2 live at Popscene on a Thursday night.